Microsoft has released cumulative update KB5077230 (Build 28020.1619) for Windows 11, version 26H1. Windows 11 Insider Preview build 28020.1619 – a build that belongs to the br_release development branch – is available to Windows Insider program participants on the Canary Channel.
Users on this channel will now receive updates for Windows 11, version 26H1 (Build 28020), which is activated on the basis of Windows 11, Version 26H1 (Build 28000) using the Feature Enablement package KB5073122.
- Cross-Device Resume. The Cross-Device Resume functionality, first introduced in the May 2025 optional Windows update (KB5058499), has been expanded. Users can now continue actions started on an Android smartphone directly on their PC. Supported scenarios include resuming playback in Spotify, working in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as continuing a web session. Vivo smartphone users can continue browsing pages from Vivo Browser on their PC. If you use an Android smartphone from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, or Xiaomi, you can continue working with online files opened in the Microsoft Copilot app on your phone. On the PC, such files will automatically open in the corresponding Microsoft 365 app (if installed). If the app is not installed, the document will open in the default browser. The feature does not support offline files stored only on the phone.
- Customizing narration in Narrator. Narrator now provides more options for customizing how interface elements are announced. The user can choose which specific details about controls will be spoken, and also adjust the order of narration according to their own navigation style across apps. These settings apply across all applications and help reduce redundant voice announcements, making working with Narrator more convenient and predictable.
- Windows Hello. Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) for Windows Hello now supports external fingerprint scanners. Previously, ESS was only available on PCs with built-in biometric sensors. Support now extends to devices with pluggable scanners, including desktop PCs and Copilot+ PCs. After connecting a compatible ESS fingerprint scanner, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and follow the setup instructions. This provides the most secure Windows Hello authentication option even on devices without built-in biometric modules.
- Voice input. A new setting Wait time before execution has been added to voice input settings. Users can set a delay before a voice command is executed – ranging from minimum (Instant – 0.1 seconds) to maximum (Very Long – 3.0 seconds). This provides greater flexibility for people with different speaking rates and improves recognition accuracy for both slow and fast dictation. The feature is rolling out to all types of desktop PCs, not only Copilot+ PCs.
- Voice access. An updated and simpler initial setup process for Voice Access has been introduced. The new wizard helps automatically download the appropriate speech recognition language model, select a preferred microphone, and demonstrates the basic capabilities of controlling your PC by voice. The updated setup scenario makes launching the feature faster and more understandable for new users.
- Expanded language support for the agent in Settings. Microsoft continues to expand language support for the Agent feature in Settings. Previously, in September of last year, support for French was added to the Dev and Beta channels. Now the list of supported languages has been significantly expanded. Previously supported languages: English (en-gb, en-us), French (fr-fr, fr-ca). New languages in this build: German (de-de), Portuguese (pt-br, pt-pt), Spanish (es-es, es-mx), Korean (ko-kr), Japanese (ja-jp), Hindi (hi-in), Italian (it-it), Simplified Chinese (zh-cn). This expansion of localization makes the intelligent capabilities of the agent in the Settings app more accessible to users worldwide.
- General changes. Some Windows Insider participants will see an updated SCOOBE (Second Chance Out of Box Experience) screen – an additional system setup step that allows reviewing recommended PC settings. The redesigned interface is more intuitive and simplified. Users can now select the desired recommended settings in a single window, without navigating through multiple sequential setup screens. Microsoft asks Insider participants to share feedback about the new screen through the Feedback Hub (WIN + F).
- Paint app update for Canary and Dev channels. Paint version 11.2601.391.0 adds the long-awaited Freeform Rotate feature. You can now rotate shapes, text, and selected areas at any angle. To use it, simply open Paint, select a shape, text, or selection area, and use the rotation handle that appears above the active object. This allows you to freely rotate the element in any direction. For more precise adjustment, the Custom rotate option is available in the Rotate menu, where you can manually enter a specific angle value. This new capability expands creative flexibility when editing images and simplifies fine-tuning elements on the canvas.
Installation via Windows Update. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. A system restart will be required to complete installation.
To update Windows 11 Build 28000 (Canary) to Build 28020.1619, you can also download update KB5077230 and install it manually using the link above.
| Feature / Change | Performance Increase or Decrease | Optimization | PC Speed | Gaming Optimization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Device Resume (Android to PC) | 🟢 +5–15% task continuity speed (no manual file transfer) | 🟢 High (automatic app handoff, reduced re-opening time) | 🟢 Slightly faster workflow (instant resume) | ⚪ No direct gaming impact |
| Customizable narration in Narrator | 🟡 Neutral to +3% productivity for screen reader users | 🟢 High (less redundant announcements, personalized flow) | 🟡 Minor (less cognitive load, smoother interaction) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Windows Hello ESS external fingerprint support | 🟡 Neutral performance (background authentication) | 🟢 High security optimization (less password overhead) | 🟡 Slight speed gain in login (faster unlock) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Voice input wait time setting | 🟡 Neutral to +5% dictation accuracy | 🟢 High (reduces recognition errors, customizable) | 🟡 Minor (smoother voice workflow) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Voice access simplified setup | 🟡 Neutral to +10% setup speed | 🟢 High (faster onboarding, auto language model) | 🟡 Minor (quicker activation) | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Expanded language support for Settings agent | 🟡 Neutral (localization only) | 🟡 Medium (wider accessibility) | ⚪ No measurable speed change | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Updated SCOOBE screen | 🟡 Neutral (setup only) | 🟢 Medium (single-window settings review) | 🟡 Slight gain in OOBE completion time | ⚪ Not applicable |
| Paint freeform rotate | 🟢 +5–10% image editing efficiency | 🟢 High (precision rotation, custom angle) | 🟡 Minor (faster adjustments) | ⚪ Not applicable |
Find and Change Settings
| Setting | Where to find | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-Device Resume | Settings > Apps > Resume | Open Settings > Apps > Resume and turn on Cross-Device Resume. Make sure you are signed in with the same Microsoft account on both your Android smartphone and your PC. To stop resuming activities, return to the same page and turn the feature off. |
| Narrator customization | Settings > Accessibility > Narrator | Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator and open the verbosity or announcement settings. Select which control details should be spoken and adjust the order of narration. Changes apply automatically across all apps. |
| Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security with external fingerprint scanner | Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options | Connect a compatible ESS fingerprint scanner to your PC. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, select Fingerprint recognition, and follow the setup instructions. To remove or reconfigure the scanner, use the same page. |
| Voice input wait time before execution | Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Voice input | Open Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Voice input and locate "Wait time before execution". Choose a delay from Instant (0.1 seconds) to Very Long (3.0 seconds). The setting takes effect immediately for voice commands. |
| Voice access initial setup | Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Voice access | Open Settings > Accessibility > Speech > Voice access and select "Set up voice access". The new wizard will help download the speech model, choose a microphone, and demonstrate basic voice control. You can disable Voice access on the same page. |
| Agent language support in Settings | Settings > System > Agent | The agent language follows your Windows display language. To use the agent in a supported language such as German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, or Simplified Chinese, go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region and set the preferred language. The agent will use it automatically if supported. |
| SCOOBE recommended settings screen | During Windows setup or after a major update | When the new SCOOBE screen appears, review the recommended settings and select the ones you want in a single window. Confirm to apply them. If you skip this step, you can later change individual settings in the Settings app. |
| Paint Freeform Rotate | Paint app | Open Paint, select a shape, text, or selection area. Use the rotation handle above the active object to rotate it freely in any direction. For precise rotation, open the Rotate menu and choose "Custom rotate", then enter a specific angle value. |
Official announcement on the Microsoft website.
The last 10 Windows updates:
| Update | Build | Version | Windows | Channel | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KB5121132 | 28120.2760 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124040 | 26220.9223 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5124042 | 26340.9233 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-21 |
| KB5121106 | 28020.2731 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5121109 | 28120.2738 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124036 | 26220.9202 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Beta | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5124038 | 26340.9212 | 26H2 | Windows 11 | Experimental | 2026-08-17 |
| KB5120996 | 28000.2796 | 26H1 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-14 |
| KB5120998 | 26200.9267 | 25H2 | Windows 11 | Preview | 2026-08-14 |
| KB5120240 | 22631.7517 | 23H2 | Windows 11 | Stable | 2026-08-11 |